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(BaseballSTL) -- Carlos Beltran played his cards just right. After turning down the Cardinals one year tender offer of $14 million, Beltran entered the free agent market and scored a $45 million deal with the Yankees.

He agreed to the Yankees offer of a three year contract on Friday night. Beltran will be 37-years-old next April.

By signing with an American League team, Beltran can serve as a designated hitter at times and not have to expose his body to the everyday rigors of playing in the outfield.

Beltran played two seasons for the Cardinals and was an All-Star starter for the National League in both years. In 2013, he hit .296 with 24 home runs and 84 RBIs. The Cardinals will get a first round draft choice from the Yankees as compensation for losing Beltran.

The Yankees had some money to spend after losing both Robinson Cano and Curtis Granderson earlier Friday. Cano signed a $240 million contract with Seattle, and Granderson signed a $60 million deal with the New York Mets.